Garden post with improved plastic tube joint

ABSTRACT

A modular garden post having an improved plastic tube joint assembly for increasing the strength of the joints between modules and thereby enabling the post to withstand a substantially increased bending moment. The improved joint assembly includes an adhesive joint and an adjacent slip joint. The improved joint assembly provides a garden post of increased strength for supporting a fixture and box-mounted electrical device in an outdoors setting. The garden post may be used for mounting devices in a landscape surrounding such as lights, cameras, photocells to control lighting, and other similar devices. An UL-listed electrical box is provided within the top member for housing electrical receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters (“GFCI&#39;s”) or similar devices.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/253,185 entitled “Garden Post”, filed Sep. 24, 2002 now U.S.Pat. No. 6,585,221 and still pending, which is a Continuation-In-Part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/112,563 entitled “Outdoor GardenPost”, filed Mar. 28, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,362 and stillpending, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/860,064 entitled “Landscape Fixture Support Post”, filed May 17,2001 and still pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of outdoor ground-levelfixtures and electrical devices, and more particularly to a modularfixture-mounting device including an improved plastic tube jointassembly. The improved joint assembly enables the fixture-mountingdevice to withstand a substantially increased bending moment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known to mount various lights and other fixtures outdoors inorder to provide illumination or other decorative effects to alandscape. Various devices for mounting such lights and fixtures havebeen proposed. Most of these proposed devices are of a fixed dimensionand therefore limit the installation of the fixture to only onepreselected height. Often, however, a landowner may desire lightfixtures, for example, in various areas of the landscape. It may bedesired, for example, to mount light fixtures along a path through ayard. In some sections along the path, such as turf areas, the landownermay desire a low mounted fixture to make the fixture less obvious duringthe daytime. In other sections, such as shrub areas, the landowner maydesire a light fixture that is mounted at a height to provideillumination above the shrub tops. A need therefore exists for a deviceto allow mounting of fixtures at various heights, selectable by theuser, in an outdoor setting. The device should be easy to install,provide a solid anchor to the ground, stable, durable, inexpensive, andeasy to maintain. The fixture-mounting device should also provide anUL-listed junction box to enable separation of the wiring connectionsfrom proximity to the ground and thereby provide protection againstground moisture and insects.

A parent application to this Continuation-In-Part application, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/253,185, disclosed a modularfixture-mounting device for mounting fixtures and electrical devices ata variety of user-selected heights in an outdoors setting. The modularfixture-mounting device included top members, base members, and optionalextenders, which were fitted together with adhesive to form thefixture-mounting device.

Although the modular mounting device adequately provided an apparatusand method for mounting electrical fixtures and electrical devices at avariety of user-selected heights in an outdoors setting, the joint areasbetween the various members proved less than ideal in resisting abending moment such as that encountered when the modular mounting devicewas struck by a sideways force, such as a blow from a riding lawnmower.

What is therefore needed is a modular fixture-mounting device foroutdoors use that enables mounting of electrical fixtures at variousheights in a landscape setting and includes joint areas capable ofwithstanding a substantially increased bending moment. As in the parentapplication, the modular enclosure should also provide a secure junctionbox to isolate wiring from environmental hazards, provide the ability tobe solidly anchored to the ground, provide easy access for undergroundcables to enter the device, and exhibit the characteristics of beingstable, durable, inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to maintain.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The fixture-mounting device of the present invention has the advantageof providing a modular enclosure that may be easily inserted in theground and, once inserted therein, is capable of withstanding asubstantial bending moment.

Secondly, the fixture-mounting device is capable of supportingelectrical fixtures and electrical devices at various heights above theground surface.

Additionally, the fixture-mounting device provides a weatherproof boxfor holding and protecting wiring connections. The box is anUnderwriters Labs (UL) listed box that provides for easy mounting ofelectrical devices such as electrical receptacles and switches.

An additional advantage is that the fixture-mounting device provides anarrangement for easily mounting a light fixture. Either low voltage orline voltage fixtures may be used.

Additionally, the fixture-mounting device is stable, durable, easilymaintained and accessed after installation, and is easy and inexpensiveto manufacture.

Another advantage exhibited by the fixture-mounting device of thepresent invention is that it is easily installed and adapted todifferent heights by a homeowner.

These, and other objects, will become readily apparent to one of skillin the art having regard for this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a fixture-mounting device that is modular in naturewith the various modules fitted together via an improved plastic tubejoint assembly, which includes an adhesive joint and an adjacent slipjoint. The improved joint assembly increases the strength of the jointsand thereby enables the fixture-mounting device to withstand asubstantially increased bending moment. The fixture-mounting deviceprovides a means of supporting a fixture or box-mounted electricaldevice above the ground. The device includes a top member for acceptinga fixture, a box-mounted electrical device, or one of each. A basemember includes a large entryway for easy lead in of electrical cablesinto the device and radial projections to enhance anchoring to theground. One or more extenders may be included to increase the height ofthe device. A low mounting post for mounting a fixture and/or abox-mounted electrical device may be created by securing the top andbase members together. A post of intermediate height may be created bysecuring an extender between the top and base members. Additionalextenders may be added to further extend the height of fixture.

The fixture-mounting device, or garden post, may be used for mountingdevices that are typically used in a landscape surrounding such aslights, cameras, photocells to control lighting, and other similardevices. An UL-listed electrical box is provided within the top memberfor housing electrical receptacles, switches, ground fault circuitinterrupters (“GFCI's”) or similar, devices.

In a preferred embodiment a top member, extender, and base member may besecured together to form a garden, post of intermediate height. Thejoint areas between the members are termed joint assemblies and arecomprised of an adhesive joint and an adjacent slip joint. The improvedjoint assemblies increase the strength of the joint areas between themembers and thereby enable the fixture-mounting device to withstand asubstantially increased bending moment. Secured thus, the memberscomprise an elongated body having a top and a bottom end. The top endprotrudes from the ground and includes an aperture through which variousdevices may be mounted or connected. The bottom end is tapered toprovide a large entryway for leading electrical cables into theenclosure. The assembled garden post is essentially hollow but with aclosed portion near the top to provide an UL-listed electrical outletbox. A service portal provides access to the outlet box from one side ofthe post and is typically provided with a removable cover that issecured thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gardenpost of the present invention configured for an intermediate height andincluding a light fixture and a duplex receptacle.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the top member, extender, andbase member along with a light fixture and cover.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the base member.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the base member depicting the base member ofFIG. 3 rotated 90 degrees to the right.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the base member.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the extender.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the collar portion of the extender of FIG. 6with a portion of the sidewall broken away.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the top member.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the top member shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a cap and sealing member used in the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the knockout plate used to form an electricalbox in the top member.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the knockout plate taken along line 12—12 inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the knockout plate taken along line 13—13 inFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shortgarden post according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the short garden post of FIG. 14 according tothe present invention with a portion of the top member cut away.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the short garden post of FIG. 14 garden postwith the cover off and the access port to the junction box open.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thegarden post of the present invention showing a portion of the sidewallsof a top member and a bottom member having an improved plastic tubejoint assembly for forming an improved post capable of withstanding asubstantially increased bending moment.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing a portion of the sidewalls ofthe top and bottom member of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 17 inalignment prior to fitting together and with adhesive applied to anouter surface on the bottom member.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view depicting a portion of the sidewalls ofthe alternative embodiment of FIG. 17 after the top and bottom portionshave been bonded together to form an improved plastic tube jointassembly according to the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION AND DRAWINGS

-   -   20—garden post of intermediate height    -   22—top member    -   24—extender    -   26—base member    -   28—side walls    -   28A—front side    -   30—radial projections    -   31—aperture (in radial projection)    -   32—top end of base member    -   33—thicker body portion    -   34—bottom end of base member    -   35—fillet    -   36—top edge of base member    -   37—sharpened lower edge of radial projection    -   38—sloped bottom edge of base member    -   39—distal end of radial projection    -   40—cable entryway    -   42—top end of extender    -   44—bottom end of extender    -   46—extender collar    -   48—bottom end of top member    -   50—top end of top member    -   52—top member collar    -   54—access portal    -   56—shelf    -   58—junction box    -   60—wall sections    -   62—aperture (to accept device fastener)    -   64—device fastener    -   66—duplex receptacle    -   68—aperture (to accept cover fastener)    -   70—cover fastener    -   72—cover plate    -   74—top wall    -   76—aperture (to accept light fixture or bushing)    -   78—inner wall    -   80—bushing    -   82—nut    -   83—bushing gasket    -   84—ground wire    -   85—grounding lug    -   86—cap    -   88—cap nut    -   90—knockout    -   92—inner end of shelf    -   94—outer end of shelf    -   96—thin walled bridge    -   98—lip    -   100—boss    -   102—coaxial apertures (to accept shelf fasteners)    -   104—gap    -   106—short garden post    -   108—cover gasket    -   110—shelf fasteners    -   112—inner walls of flared portion of extender    -   114—inner walls of flared portion of top member    -   116—cable    -   118—top joint    -   120—bottom joint    -   121—ground level    -   122—light fixture    -   124—duplex receptacle    -   126—photocell    -   200—first elongated tubular member    -   202—second elongated tubular member    -   204—parallel sidewalls of first member    -   206—lower end of first member    -   208—parallel sidewalls of second tubular member    -   210—upper end of second tubular member    -   212—first inner surface    -   216—collar    -   218—second inner surface    -   222—first outer surface    -   226—shoulder    -   228—second outer surface    -   232—adhesive layer    -   234—plastic tube joint assembly    -   236—adhesive joint    -   238—slip fit    -   240—first end point of slip fit    -   242—second end point of slip fit    -   244—first end point of adhesive joint    -   246—second end point of adhesive joint    -   S1—first size    -   S2—second size    -   S3—third size    -   S4—fourth size    -   D1—slip fit overlap    -   D2—adhesive joint overlap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As this invention may be more easily explained by reference to theattached drawings, it should be noted that the figures arerepresentative and exemplary of the invention only, and should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

The garden post of the present invention is an apparatus for providingelectrical service in a landscape setting. The garden post is suitablefor a wide range of fixtures and electrical devices that are typicallymounted in a landscape. Such fixtures and electrical devices include,but are not limited to, lighting fixtures, sensors such as rain gauges,light sensors, motion sensors, and infrared sensors, cameras,microphones, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupt(GFCI) receptacles, and vibration detectors. The garden post of thepresent invention is modular in nature, consisting of a top member and abase member, and may include one or more extenders to increase theheight of the fixture or electrical device above the landscape. Astable, easily serviceable, attractive mounting platform is desirablefor many applications, and the present invention provides such aplatform that is also inexpensive to produce and weather resistant.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an outdoor garden post of intermediate height20 according to the present invention is shown. The preferred embodimentof the garden post of intermediate height 20 is comprised of a topmember 22, an extender 24, and a base member 26. The top member 22,extender 24, and base member 26 are typically rigid, hollow, and formedin an injection molding process with a sufficient wall thickness tosupport the combined fixture and make it sturdy enough to resist lawnmowers or similar equipment when mounted in the ground. A presentlypreferred material for forming the body is plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ASS), orpolyethylene. Other materials may be used for construction of the bodyas well, such as metal. Preferably, the four side walls 28 are from 0.1to 0.5 inch thick. A preferred embodiment formed of polycarbonate orpolyvinyl chloride is more preferably 0.15 to 0.25 inch thick. It isdesired to keep the wall thickness as thin as possible while stillproviding the proper strength and rigidity for the assembled gardenpost, as the device will be less expensive to produce. By providing atop member 22, extender 24, base member 26, and a cover formed byinjection molding of a pigmented plastic, the elongated body does notexhibit discoloration from chipping. Therefore, the body and cover havethe advantage of not showing chips and dents from accidental bumps bylawn mowers, yard tools, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top member 22, extender 24, and base member 26are assembled and secured together, typically with a solvent cement, toform a secure bond between the various pieces. If the various membersare molded of PVC, a PVC solvent cement would typically perform a weldmuch like the weld on metal pipes. When the solvent cement is applied toeach adjacent piece, the plastic surfaces are softened and meldtogether. Once the joint is assembled, the solvent evaporates leavingbehind a hardened resin and a joint that is more durable than theplastic pieces themselves. One suitable PVC cement is that provided byHercules Chemical Co., Inc., in Passaic, N.J.

Now referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the base member 26 includes severalradial projections 30 extending outwardly from the sidewalls 28. One ormore of the radial projections 30 may include apertures 31. Theapertures 31 are available to accept growing roots or insertion of rebaror similar reinforcing members to provide additional ground anchoringstrength. The apertures 31 also reduce the amount of polymer required inthe molding operation, thereby reducing production cost of the basemember 26. A thicker body portion 33 is provided on the top edge of theradial projections 30 to increase strength and rigidity. Fillets 35 areprovided at all edges of the junction of each radial projection 30 withthe side walls 28 of the base member 26 to further increase the strengthof the radial projections. A sharpened lower edge 37 is provided on thebottom edge of each radial projection 30 to enhance soil penetrationability. The length of each radial projection extending from the sidewall 28 of the base member 26 to their distal ends 39 is typically atleast 70% of the width of the base member 26. Therefore, for a typicalembodiment in which the outer width of the base member is 3.25 inches,each radial projection 30 is at least 2.28 inches in length from thesidewall 28 of the base member 26 to the distal end 39 of the radialprojection 30.

The base member includes a top end 32 and a bottom end 34 with the topend having a planar top edge 36 and the bottom end 34 having a sharplysloped bottom edge 38. Since the base member 26 is hollow, the slopedbottom edge 38 creates a large entryway 40 for running cable (not shown)into the garden post. The base member is typically 12 inches in length,although longer lengths would be acceptable. The bottom 34 of the basemember 26 is formed into a spike formed by removing the side walls 28along an angled plane. The preferred angle of the plane with respect tothe side walls is approximately 25 degrees, but may acceptably bebetween 20 and 40 degrees. This forms a large entryway 40 for thepassage of cables (not shown) into the post. This large cable entryway40 makes it very convenient to lead an underground electrical feed intothe garden post, as the large opening is typically 3.0 inches wide by7.5 inches long. If the post is buried a foot in the ground, cablesburied from 5 inches to 12 inches deep will line up with the opening,making it easy and convenient to lead cables (not shown) into theentryway 40. As shown in the top view of FIG. 5, the base member 26preferably includes four radial projections 30, with one extending fromeach side wall 28.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hollow elongated extender 24 includes atop end 42 and a bottom end 44. The side walls 28 on the bottom end 44flare out to form an extender collar 46 that is of wider outerdimensions than the top portion of the extender 24. The wide extendercollar 46 enables the bottom end 44 of the extender 24 (see FIG. 5) tofit over the top end 32 of the base member 26 (see FIG. 3).

Referring now to FIG. 8, the hollow top member 22 with sidewalls 28includes a bottom end 48 and a top end 50 with the bottom end flaringout to form a top member collar 52. The wide top member collar 52enables the bottom end 48 of the top member 22 to fit over the top end32 of the base member 26 (see FIG. 3) or the top end 42 of the extender24 (see FIG. 5). The side walls 28 are removed on one side of the topmember 22 to form an access portal 54. The top member preferably is 24inches long, but there are no restrictions to its length as it couldeasily be molded in other lengths.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a sectional view depicts the hollow top member22 with a shelf 56 installed therein to form an UL-listed junction box58 at its top end 50. The junction box 58 is completely bounded by theside walls 28 of the top member 22 and the shelf 56 with an accessportal 54 formed in one of the side walls 28. Thick wall sections 60 areformed in the center of the front side 28A. The thick wall sections 60include apertures 62 to accept fasteners 64 for securing the ears of anelectrical device, such as a duplex receptacle 66 and additionalapertures 68 to accept fasteners 70 for securing a cover plate 72 asshown. The top wall 74 of the top member 22 includes an aperture 76 thatwill accept a standard light fixture (not shown) or similar fixture. Theinner wall 78 of the aperture 76 may contain female threads to acceptthe male threads of a standard fixture, or the inner wall 78 may havesmooth walls as depicted in FIG. 8 and a bushing 80 secured thereto. Thebushing 80 is typically internally threaded to accept a fixture.Preferably, the interior threads of the bushing are ½-inch NPT size,which will accept the ½-inch exterior threads that are typicallyprovided on most standard fixtures (not shown). The lower end of thebushing 80 has exterior threads that extend through the top wall 74 andis secured by a correspondingly mated nut 82 on the interior of the topmember 22. A bushing gasket 83 is typically provided between the bushing80 and the outer surface of the top wall 74 to make the bushingwatertight with the top member 22. A ground wire 84 is secured to agrounding lug 85 that extends from the nut 82 into a junction box 58formed by the shelf 56 that is secured to the top member 22.

According to a preferred embodiment of the garden post according to thepresent invention, the junction box 58 typically measures 2.8 inchesacross by 3.9 inches long by 2.8 inches deep. These dimensions provide ajunction box 58 that contains enough volume to accommodate any typicalbox mounted electrical device, including standard GFCI wiring devices.Sufficient clearance is provided around the GFCI device and at least 2.0inches depth behind it for accommodating the wiring connections. Theaccess portal 54 leading into the junction box 58 is typically 2.2inches across by 3.3 inches long, also sized to accommodate a GFCIdevice or any other standard electrical device.

FIG. 10 depicts a cap 86 that is used to close off the aperture 76 inthe top wall 74 in those situations in which the garden post is usedonly for supporting an installed electrical device in the junction box58, and no fixture. The cap 86 is threaded and secured to the top wall74 by a cap nut 88. The cap 86 is provided with the outdoor garden postto enable sealing and weatherproofing the top of the garden post inthose instances in which a user prefers to use the post for anelectrical device mounted in the junction box but does not intend toattach a fixture to the top bushing. The cap is threaded exteriorly andthreads into the female threads of the bushing.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, the shelf 56 includes one or moreareas where a portion of the shelf is removed to form knockouts 90.After the shelf is secured within the top member (not shown), theknockouts 90 can be easily punched out of the shelf to provideelectrical supply wiring to the junction box. The shelf 56 has an inner92 and outer 94 end. Thin walled bridges 96 are provided in the shelf 56to provide the wiring knockouts 90. The side view of the shelf 56 inFIG. 12 depicts the outer end 94 with a lip 98 and a boss 100. As shownin FIG. 13, a view of the shelf 56 from the right side of FIG. 11, twolips 98 are preferred along with their bosses 100 (one in view in FIG.12). Coaxial apertures 102 are provided in the lips 98 and bosses 100 toaccept fasteners (not shown). The gap 104 between the lips 98 and bosses100, as shown in FIG. 12, accommodates the wall thickness of theelongated body (not shown) when fitted thereon.

Referring to FIG. 15, a side view of a short garden post 106 with aportion of the side wall 28 broken away, a shelf 56 is shown extendingfrom the bottom edge of the access portal 54 into the top member 22. Theaccess portal 54 in the top member 22 is typically formed in the moldingoperation. As shown in FIG. 15, the garden post may be provided with acover plate 72 and a gasket 108 sandwiched between the cover plate 72and the side wall 28. The top member 22 is provided with a shelf 56inserted therein to form a junction box 58 ready to accept a standardwall mounted electrical device such as a duplex receptacle. The shelf 56is secured to the top member 22 by fasteners 110 secured through theshelf's lip 98, through coaxial apertures 102 in the side wall 28 of thetop member 22, and into the boss 100 that is integral with the shelf 56.Line voltage or low voltage may be supplied to the junction box 58 byremoving one or more of the knockouts (not shown) in the shelf 56 anddrawing cable therein.

Referring to FIG. 16, a front view of the short garden post 106 showsthe top member 22 secured to the base member 26. The garden post of thepresent invention is supplied with a top member 22 and a base member 26,or all the required pieces to form a short garden post 106 according tothe present invention. However, if a homeowner wishes to install alonger garden post to raise the height of a fixture or electricaldevice, then an extender 24 may be used for this purpose. A short gardenpost 106 such as shown in FIG. 16 may be assembled by applying PVCcement to the bottom end 48 of the top member 22 and the top end(obscured by the top member collar 52) of the base member 26, joiningthe two together, and holding them together for approximately 30seconds. Set up time of the cement will vary with ambient conditions,with warmer temperatures and lower humidity hastening the curing time.Once glued with the PVC cement, the two pieces are strongly bondedtogether, with the joint typically stronger than the non-joint area.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the bottom end 44 of the extender 24 and thebottom end 48 of the top member 22 are flared to a size slightly largerthan the outer dimensions of the non-flared portions of the extender 24and base member 26. The non-flared portions of the top member 22,extender 24, and base member 26 are all preferably equal in dimensionand are typically 4.000 inches wide across the outer walls. Thedimension across the inner walls 112 of the flared portion of theextender 24 and the inner walls 114 of the flared portion top member 22are equal and typically 4.062 inches. Therefore, when fitting the topmember 22 on, top of the base member 26 or on top of an extender 24, orthe extender 24 on top of the base member 26 or on top of anotherextender 24, typically 0.031 inch of clearance is available between theinner walls of the flared section and the, outer walls of the non-flaredsection of the pieces being joined. If the members are constructed ofPVC, the PVC cement is typically spread on the inner walls of the flaredportion and the outer walls of the top of the member it will be joinedto. With the vertical overlap between the flared portion and thenon-flared portion measuring typically 2.0 inches, a great deal ofsurface area is available between the two pieces for bonding. The flaredportion is located on the bottom portion of the top piece to enablerainwater to run off the flared portion and away from the joint.

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a garden post of intermediatelength 20 according to the present invention. A top member 22 is shownbonded to an extender 24, which in turn is bonded to a base member 26.An installer would typically first glue the top member 22, extender 24,and base member 26 together. A hole (not shown) would then be formed inthe ground at the location desired for a fixture or electrical device.Underground electrical cable 116 would then be typically run to thehole. The cable 116 would then be run into the cable entryway 40. Aslong as the depth of the cable meets the local electrical codes, thedepth is not critical as the entryway is typically 7.0 inches long andprovides ample space for cable entry into the post. The bottom end 34 ofthe garden post 20 is then buried and the ground tamped to hold itsecurely in the ground. The radial projections 30 extend outwardly fromthe base member 26 and help to further anchor the post 20 in the ground.The top member 22 is typically 24 inches in length, the extender 24typically 18 inches in length, and the base member 26 typically 12inches in length. Therefore, with 2 inches vertical overlap at the topjoint 118 and 2 inches vertical overlap at the bottom joint 120, thepreferred embodiment of the intermediate length garden post 20 istypically 50 inches in length from the top end 50 of the top member 22to the bottom end 34 of the base member 26. When buried to a depth of 14inches, as shown by the ground level line 121 in FIG. 1, theintermediate length garden post 20 extends approximately 36 inches outof the ground. Additional extenders 24 may be added to increase theheight of the garden post. Each additional extender 24 will addapproximately 16 inches of length to the post. A garden post with twoextenders would therefore extend typically about 52 inches from theground, a garden post with three extenders would extend typically about68 inches from the ground, etc. As additional extenders 24 are added tocreate a higher post however, a homeowner would typically bury the baseend 34 further in the ground to better support the additional length.

FIG. 1 depicts the intermediate length garden post 20 with a lightfixture 122 mounted on top and a duplex receptacle 124 mounted withinthe junction box. The garden post will accommodate a wide range offixtures and electrical devices that are typically mounted in alandscape. Such fixtures and electrical devices include, but are notlimited to, lighting fixtures, sensors such as rain gauges, lightsensors, motion sensors, and infrared sensors, cameras, speakerphones,microphones, timers, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuitinterrupt (GFCI) receptacles, and vibration detectors.

FIG. 2 depicts the manner in which the separate members are assembled toform a garden post of intermediate height 20 according to the presentinvention. An installer would typically secure the top member 22 to theextender 24 and the extender to the base member 26 with PVC cement.Typically the top member 22, extender 24, and base member 26 areassembled at the installation site. The shelf 56 is then typicallyremoved to enable the cable 116 to be run easily through the assembledpost 20. Cable is then typically run through the post 20 starting at thebottom 34, through the access portal 54, and then through a knockout inthe shelf 56. The shelf 56 is then slipped into place at the bottom ofthe access portal 54 and secured with fasteners 110 to form the junctionbox 58 at the top of the top member 22. The garden post 20 is thenplaced in the ground and the hole backfilled and packed to hold the postsecurely. A fixture, such as the light fixture 122 shown in FIG. 2, canthen be screwed into the bushing 80 on top of the assembled and anchoredpost 20. Wiring connections can then be completed to the fixture and, ifdesired, to an electrical device, such as the duplex receptacle 124shown in FIG. 2. The electrical device is then secured with fasteners64. A cover gasket 108 and a cover plate 72 are then secured over theelectrical device 124 with fasteners 70 to create a sealed andwatertight junction box and thereby complete the installation. Thejunction box 58 is sized large enough to accept ground fault receptaclesand any standard wall mounted electrical device.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a preferred embodiment of the short gardenpost 106 according to the present invention is shown. The short gardenpost 106 is formed by securing a top member 22 and a base member 26 withPVC cement, or other appropriate cement compatible with the material ofconstruction. FIG. 14 depicts a light fixture 122 mounted on top of theshort post 106 with a photocell 126 mounted in the junction box tocontrol the illumination of the light 122 based on the ambient lightingconditions.

As described herein, a garden post according to this disclosure can beconstructed of many different heights, such as short, intermediate, ortall, by installing additional extenders between the top member and basemember. Therefore, additional stability may be required to anchor thegarden post into the ground as the height is increased. The length ofthe radial projections extending from the side wall of the base memberto their distal ends is typically at least 70%; of the width of the basemember. It is desirable and acceptable to provide alternativeembodiments of the base member in which the radial projections extendeven further from the side walls of the base member to provideadditional stability and a better ground anchor for taller embodimentsof the garden post.

The garden post is designed and constructed to accept line voltage, or120-volt power, and devices and fixtures requiring line voltage.However, it also may easily be used for low-voltage lights and fixturesif preferred.

Suitable gasket materials may be any of the commonly available flexiblewaterproof materials, such as rubber (natural or synthetic), Neoprene™,Santoprene™, or other flexible and deformable polymeric materials.

Referring to FIG. 17, a side sectional view is shown of an alternativeembodiment of a first elongated tubular member 200 and a secondelongated tubular member 202 having a preferred sidewall design forproducing an improved joint assembly between the members. FIG. 17depicts the lower portion of the first elongated tubular member 200 inalignment with the upper portion of the second elongated tubular member202 prior to securing them together to form an improved plastic tubejoint assembly.

As depicted in FIG. 17, the first elongated tubular member 200 includessubstantially parallel sidewalls 204 having a lower end 206. The secondelongated tubular member 202 includes substantially parallel sidewalls208 having an upper end 210. The first 200 and second 202 elongatedtubular members are of substantially equal geometric shapes. The lowerend 206 of the first member 200 includes a first inner surface 212 of afirst size S1. A collar 216 is integrally formed with the lower end 206of the first member 200 below the first inner surface 212 and includes asecond inner surface 218 of a second size S2. The upper end 210 of thesecond member 202 includes a portion having a first outer surface 222 atits uppermost end of a third size S3 and a shoulder 226 there below. Theupper end 210 of the second member 202 includes a second outer surface228 below the first outer surface 222. The second outer surface 228 isof a fourth size S4, which is slightly larger than the third size S3.

With reference to FIG. 18, the collar 216, including the second innersurface 218 of a second size S2, is sufficiently larger than the secondouter surface 228 of a fourth size S4 to accommodate an adhesive layer232 between the second inner surface 218 and the second outer surface228. To form a garden post with an improved plastic tube joint assembly234 according to the present invention, an adhesive layer 232 is appliedto second outer surface 228 as shown in FIG. 18. The lower end 206 ofthe first member 200 is then pressed into the upper end 210 of thesecond member 202 bringing the second inner surface 218 of the firstmember 200 in close contact with the second outer surface 228 of thesecond member 202 with the adhesive layer 232 there between. Sufficienttime is allowed for the adhesive layer 232 to cure.

Referring to FIG. 19, curing of the adhesive layer 232 allows the secondouter surface 228 of the second member 202 to bonds the second innersurface 218 of the first member 200 thereby forming an adhesive joint236. Fitting the first member 200 into the second member 202 in thismanner also enables the first inner surface 212 of the first member 200to slip into the first outer surface 222 of the second member 202 andthereby form a slip fit 238 there between. An improved plastic tubejoint assembly 234 is thereby formed that is capable of withstanding asubstantially increased bending moment. The improved plastic tube jointassembly 234 therefore consists of an adhesive joint 236 and an adjacentslip fit 238.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the slip fit 238 will be formedbetween the first end point 240 of the slip fit and the second end point242 of the slip fit, as denoted on the second 202 elongated tubularmember. The distance depicted on the second tubular member 202 betweenthe first 240 and second 242 end points of the slip fit 238 isdesignated distance D1 in the figure. This is the overlap distance thatwill form the slip fit 238 in the present invention. An exemplarydimension for D1 for the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is2.095 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the adhesive joint 236 will be formedbetween the first end point 244 of the adhesive joint and the second endpoint 246 of the adhesive joint, as denoted on the first 200 elongatedtubular member. The distance depicted on the first tubular member 200between the first 244 and second 246 end points of the adhesive joint236 is designated distance D2 in the figure. This is the overlapdistance that will form the adhesive joint 236 in the present invention.An exemplary dimension for D2 for the alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 18 is 2.25 inches.

Referring to FIG. 18, the clearances between the inner surfaces of thefirst tubular member 200 and the outer surfaces of the second tubularmember are critical to forming a plastic tube joint assembly accordingto the present invention. Exemplary dimensions for the inner and outersurfaces include: S1=3.700 inches, S2=4.000 inches, S3=3.660 inches, andS4=3.997 inches. An exemplary dimension for the clearance between thefirst 200 and second 202 tubular members at the adhesive joint 236 istherefore 0.003 inch and for the clearance between the first 200 andsecond 202 tubular members at the slip fit 238 is 0.040 inch. As can beseen by these exemplary dimensions, the clearance between the members200 and 202 at the adhesive joint 236 is much tighter than the clearanceat the slip fit 238. The larger clearance at the slip fit 238 allows thefirst member 200 to easily find and mate with the second member 202. Theadhesive joint 236 is much tighter, but with the wet adhesive layer 232applied to the outside of the second member 202, the two members easilyslip together. With an appropriate adhesive for the type of plasticused, set up,time for the adhesive layer is typically very short, on theorder of approximately 30 seconds. Set up time of the cement will varywith ambient conditions, with warmer temperatures and lower humidityhastening the curing time, but once glued with the appropriate adhesiveand allowed to cure, the two pieces are strongly bonded together.

Therefore, after adhesive is applied between points 244 and 246, thefirst 200 and second 202 tubular members are joined together as shown inFIG. 19, and proper curing time is allowed for the adhesive layer 232,the adhesive joint 236 is formed between points 244 and 246. A slip fit238 is also formed between points 240 and 242 which strengthens theplastic tube joint assembly 234 and enables the fixture-mounting deviceto withstand a substantially increased bending moment.

While the invention has been described by reference to the preferredembodiment disclosed herein, the invention is subject to considerablemodification and may be tailored to fit the needs of many suitablemounting needs without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimswhich are appended hereto.

1. An electrical service apparatus for outdoors use, comprising: a topmember including a rigid, hollow, elongated body having a side wall witha integral closed top and an open bottom; a base member including arigid, hollow, elongated body having a side wall with an open top; acollar for connecting said top member and said base member; an accessport with an opening formed in said side wall of said top member; aplanar shelf secured horizontally across the interior of said hollow topmember at the bottom of said access port with said shelf closing saidhollow body of said top member; an electrical junction box near saidclosed top formed by said side wall, said integral closed top, and saidshelf; one or more sections formed in said shelf to enable easy knockoutof said sections as desired for passage of cables; a cover securedacross said opening; an extender including a rigid, hollow, elongatedbody having a side wall with an open top and an open bottom; said sidewall of said extender matches the geometrical shape of said side wallsof said top member and said side walls of said base member; said sidewall of said extender spaced the same distance apart as said side wallof said top member and the side walls of said base member; said bottomof said extender including a collar for connecting said extender to saidbase member or to an adjacent extender; said collar on said extenderincluding walls spaced slightly larger than the outer surfaces of saidside walls of said base member such that said extender may be joined tosaid base member by spreading an adhesive on the inner surface of saidcollar of said extender and on the outer walls of said open top of saidbase member and joining said extender and said base member together; andsaid extender may be joined to a second extender by spreading anadhesive on the inner surface of said collar of said extender and on theouter walls of said open top of said second extender and joining saidextender and said second extender together.
 2. The electrical serviceapparatus of claim 1 wherein said collar is integral with said topmember and includes inner walls spaced slightly larger than said sidewall of said base member such that an adhesive spread on said innerwalls of said top member collar and on said side wall of said basemember at said open top secures said top member to said base member in apermanent joint.
 3. The electrical service apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid closed top includes an aperture and an electrically conductivebushing secured in said aperture.
 4. The electrical service apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said closed top of said top member includes an aperturehaving walls and interior threads formed along said walls.
 5. Theelectrical service apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hollow elongatedbody is of a square cross section.
 6. The electrical service apparatusof claim 1, wherein said side wall of said base member includes one ormore integral radial projections extending outwardly therefrom.
 7. Theelectrical service apparatus of claim 6, wherein said radial projectionsinclude apertures to allow roots to grow therein or supporting devicesto be inserted therein for enhanced ground anchoring; a thicker bodyportion for increased rigidity of said projections; fillets at thejunction of said radial projections with said side wall of said basemember for increased strength of said radial projections; and asharpened lower edge for enhanced soil penetration ability.
 8. Theelectrical service apparatus of claim 7, wherein said closed top of saidtop member is flat to accept a ram from a mechanical installation tooland thereby allow forceful insertion of said service apparatus into soilby said tool.
 9. The electrical service apparatus of claim 3, whereinsaid bushing comprises a pipe threaded interiorly and exteriorly andsecured to said top by a correspondingly mated nut on the interior ofsaid hollow body.
 10. The electrical service apparatus of claim 3further comprising a fixture mounted to said bushing on said top of saidelongated body.
 11. The electrical service apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of integral bosses formed in the side walls ofsaid top member, including one at the upper end of said access port andone at the lower end of said access port with each of said bossesincluding one or more apertures for securing an electrical device andfor securing a complementary face plate for said electrical device. 12.The electrical service apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a fixturemounted to said bushing on said top of said elongated body and anelectrical device secured in said junction box.
 13. The electricalservice apparatus of claim 11 wherein said apertures in said bosses arethreaded to accept standard screws used for securing electrical devicesand complementary face plates for said electrical devices.
 14. Theelectrical service apparatus of claim 6 wherein the length of saidradial projections extending from said side wall of said base member totheir distal ends is at least 70% of the width of said elongated body ofsaid base member.
 15. The electrical service apparatus of claim 14wherein the ratio of the length of said radial projections extendingfrom said side wall of said base member to their distal ends to thewidth of said elongated body of said base member is increased as thelength of said service apparatus is increased.
 16. The electricalservice apparatus of claim 2 wherein said joint formed between said topmember and said base member includes no visible fasteners thereby makingsaid joint aesthetically pleasing in appearance.
 17. An electricalservice apparatus for outdoors use, comprising: a top member including arigid, hollow, elongated body having a side wall with an integral closedtop and an open bottom; a base member including a rigid, hollow,elongated body having a side wall with an open top; a collar forconnecting said top member and said base member; an access port with anopening formed in said side wall of said top member; a planar shelfsecured horizontally across the interior of said hollow top member atthe bottom of said access port with said shelf closing said hollow bodyof said top member; an electrical junction box near said closed topformed by said side wall, said integral closed top, and said shelf; oneor more sections formed in said shelf to enable easy knockout of saidsections as desired for passage of cables; a cover secured across saidopening; one or more extenders secured between said top member and saidbase member; and said side walls of said extenders matching thegeometrical shape of said side walls of said top member and said sidewalls of said base member.